Motorcycle-Hauling Trailer Cost

How Much Does a Motorcycle-Hauling Trailer Cost?

Trailers designed to haul motorcycles behind a tow vehicle vary from a narrow rail mounted on two wheels to an enclosed walk-in cargo trailer. Larger motorcycle-hauling trailers are typically single axle (two wheels) or dual-axle (two axles with four wheels, also called tandem). Single-axle trailers are typically less expensive, easier to maneuver by hand and have a smaller turning radius, but can be hard to control if a trailer tire goes flat or the bearings freeze while underway. Dual-axle trailers typically can pull heavier weights, tow more smoothly (they're less prone to sway), have better traction on uneven roads and are easier to control if a tire goes flat.

Typical costs:

The simplest and lightest motorcycle-hauling trailer is a narrow rail (like a loading ramp with sides 1"-4" inches high plus a block at the front end) mounted on a single axle with two wheels. The motorcycle is rolled up a ramp and onto the rail, where is is strapped in an upright position. Prices start at $800-$900, but typically are $1,000-$2,500 or more. More expensive models fold up or are easily disassembled when not needed. For example, the non-folding single-rail Pro-Tote Monorail[1] comes standard with 12" wheels and a loading ramp for $895, while the Dual Motorcycle Trailer in a Bag[2] costs $2,100-$2,200 with 8" tires and a 2,000-pound weight capacity. It carries two motorcycles but can be converted to a single rail, and fits into a duffle bag when not in use.

Rail trailers with a platform under the rail will cost slightly more, such as the fold-away Kendon Dual Rail Stand-Up Trailer[3] with 13" chrome wheels, rails for two motorcycles and a tilt platform for a suggested retail price of $2,650.

Expect to pay $600-$4,000 or more, depending on size, weight capacity, materials (wood, steel, aluminum) and whether it's single or dual axle, for a basic open utility trailer with rails, ramps, chocks and tie-down straps for hauling motorcycles. See How Much Does a Utility Trailer Cost.

An enclosed cargo trailer (often tall enough to stand inside) equipped with rails, ramps, chocks and tie-downs for hauling motorcycles can cost $1,000-$4,000 for a small single-axle model or $3,000-$15,000 and up for larger tandem-axles with options like a side door or heavy-duty ramp. For details, see How Much Does an Enclosed Cargo Trailer Cost.

These trailers are typically towed by a pickup truck or van, but they can be pulled by any vehicle with a large enough weight capacity to handle the weight of the trailer and the motorcycles plus any other gear.

Most large trailers come with brakes. In most states, trailers with a gross vehicle weight rating of 1,500 or more must have brakes on all wheels. These can be surge brakes (activated after the tow vehicle's brakes have slowed the trailer) or electric brakes (connected to the tow vehicle's brakes).Surge brakes are illegal in some states, so check with the state department of motor vehicles[5] .

The tow vehicle will require a longer stopping distance. Edmunds.com explains how to tow a trailer[6] .

Laws governing towing speed and trailer size vary by state. The American Boating Association provides a chart of state towing laws[7] .

Additional costs:

If not included with the trailer, ramps, rails, chocks and tie-down straps, or a complete tie-down system, can cost an additional $100-$400.

A spare tire can cost $20-$200 or more, depending on size and type, and a bolt-on spare tire carrier can cost $15-$150 or more.

Installing a standard frame-mounted ball hitch on the tow vehicle averages $200-$500 or more, depending on the type of vehicle and the hitch's towing capacity. Installing a gooseneck hitch costs $200-$600 or more and a fifth-wheel hitch can cost $300-$2,500 or more. For details, see How Much Does a Trailer Hitch Cost.

Pulling a trailer behind a tow vehicle will increase fuel costs, depending on the weight of the load, the weight of the trailer and the fuel efficiency of the tow vehicle.

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